Assistant Director, Lab Operations

Established in 1981, the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is one of the founding Schools of Nanyang Technological University. MAE is ranked 5th in the world (QS Subject ranking 2026) and boasts well-established industry partnerships with prominent companies such as Rolls-Royce, General Electric, HP Inc, Pratt & Whitney and Singapore Airlines. With a faculty comprising more than 90 professors, it is one of the largest mechanical engineering schools in the world.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to oversee a cluster of specialised laboratories, including Materials Innovation, Smart Manufacturing, Fuel Cell, and Thermal & Fluids laboratories, supporting cutting-edge research and teaching. This role is pivotal in aligning laboratory operations with institutional priorities and Singapore’s RIE2030 strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and end-to-end oversight of multidisciplinary laboratories, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with research and teaching goals.

• Establish governance frameworks, drive cross-lab synergies, and ensure full regulatory compliance across all laboratory operations.

• Lead manpower strategy, including recruitment, deployment, performance management, and staff development for a team of technical professionals.

• Oversee resource planning and operational support for undergraduate teaching laboratories and Final Year Projects (FYPs).

• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with ISO 45001 and best practices in chemical and hazardous materials management.

• Drive infrastructure planning and space optimisation to support evolving research needs.

• Manage budgets, capital equipment lifecycle, and asset governance, ensuring effective utilisation of resources.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 10–12 years of leadership experience managing large-scale laboratory environments or research facilities.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse technical workforce while ensuring operational excellence and compliance.

• Proven leadership in laboratory, engineering, or research operations.

• Strong expertise in financial stewardship, manpower planning, and infrastructure management.

• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, staff development, and stakeholder engagement.

• In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards (e.g. ISO 45001), and laboratory governance.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.